State Auditor Cindy Byrd wins reelection; other state offices head to runoff

State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd weathered dark money-fueled opposition in winning reelection Tuesday, beating a challenger who was backed by the founders of a virtual charter school she accused in an audit of stealing millions in tax dollars.

"I've had such a groundswell of support across the state once everyone realized what was going on with this election," said Byrd, who beat Steven McQuillen with more than double the vote total.

With no other candidate on the general election ballot, Byrd essentially won reelection to another four-year term.

In 2020, Byrd drew attention after releasing a scathing audit of Epic Charter School, which her office accused of numerous questionable expenses.

Ben Harris and David Chaney, the founders of Epic who were arrested this month on embezzlement charges, donated $744,500 to Prosperity Alliance Inc. from January 2020 to March 2021, which supported Byrd's opponent with mailers.

Primary election results: Kevin Stitt, Joy Hofmeister to face off in Oklahoma governor's race come November

Byrd said the arrests backed up her audit's claims, and her election victory showed voters had faith in her office.

"It’s been very disheartening that there were some who did not believe the audit report that the state auditor’s office put out," Byrd said Tuesday evening. "But last week was more evidence that the state auditor’s office is putting out the information taxpayers need to know to be informed in order to know where their money is going."

Labor commission, treasurer and corporation commission races head to runoff

Several other statewide primary races are headed for a runoff, including the commissioner of labor, where incumbent Leslie Osborn received 48% of the vote, just shy of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. State Rep. Sean Roberts, who received 38%, will face Osborn in an Aug. 23 election. The winner will face Democratic Jack Henderson and Libertarian Will Daugherty in November.

The Republican primary for state treasurer is also headed for a runoff to compete for the open seat, where current state treasurer Randy McDaniel decided not to seek reelection.

State Rep. Todd Russ received 49% of the vote and Oklahoma Tax Commission Chairman Clark Jolley received 34%.

David Hooten, who recently resigned as Oklahoma County clerk amid sexual harassment allegations, received 18%, missing the runoff.

The winner between Russ and Jolley will face Libertarian Gregory Sadler and Democrat Charles de Coune.

The four-candidate Republican primary for an open seat on the corporation commission is also headed for a runoff, as state Sen. Kim David, who received 41% of the vote, will face former state Rep. Todd Thomsen, who received 26%.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State auditor Cindy Byrd reelected; other state offices head to runoff